n a major scandal with possible consequences for the upcoming national election, Rev. Ted Haggard of the National Association of Evangelicals has resigned his position as president of the group over charges that he paid a Denver man for sex during the past three years.

   The story broke on Wednesday when Mike Jones, 49, of Denver gave reporters details of his alleged liaisons with Pastor Haggard, and said that he had voicemails from the prominent televangelist as well as an envelope he said the preacher used to mail him cash for sexual services. Jones added that he advertised as a male escort on the internet, and was contacted by man calling himself Art.

   Haggard has resigned his NAE post, and taken administrative leave from his 14,000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs.

   As head of the National Association of Evangelicals, Haggard represented over 46,000 congregations throughout the country and enjoyed access to key Republicans and even the White House. New Life Church is one of the largest "mega-churches" in the nation.

   Haggard is considered one of the powerful evangelical leaders in the country, and according to many observers played an instrumental role in the re-election of President Bush in 2004. He also reportedly talked to Bush in person or by phone on a weekly basis.

   On Friday, stories in the Washington Post, Denver Post and other media outlets added more details to the widening scandal.

   Jones said that his affair with Art -- coincidentally, Haggard's middle name -- lasted approximately three years and included monthly encounters. "There was no emotion involved," Jones told reporters. He said that when Art inquired about obtaining methamphetamine, he helped him purchase the illegal substance from a third party. Haggard, he said, used the drug "every time he visited me."

   Haggard initially denied all charges, and on Wednesday told a Denver television station, "I did not have a homosexual relationship ... I am steady with my wife. I'm faithful to my wife."

   When cornered by reporters on Thursday, though, Haggard confessed that he bought meth from a male prostitute, who he claimed he was referred to for a massage. "I bought it for myself but never used it," Haggard insisted. "I was tempted but I never used it."

   Mr. Jones said that he learned Haggard's real name about six months ago while viewing a television program on the History Channel dealing with the apocalypse. Haggard was interviewed. This prompted Jones to investigate the popular preacher -- described by Time Magazine as one of the nation's 25 most influential evangelicals.

   Jones said that when he discovered the position Haggard's church took on the issue of homosexuality and same-sex marriage, "I started getting really pissed."

   Adding to the scandal has been a report from KUSA-TV which hired a voice identification expert from the University of Colorado to compare the voice messages left on Jones' answering machine with sample of Rev. Haggard's voice. On Friday, Associated Press reported that nine of 12 words were "perfect matches."

   The Haggard scandal has fueled speculation within Colorado gay community. So far, no one has stepped forward with reports of earlier rumors about Haggard's alleged homosexuality. Mr. Jones, however, admitted that the story had political overtones, and told KUSA "He (Haggard) is being the hammer, and the gay movement is his nail."

   There are also questions of how the scandal may impact Tuesday's elections. In 2004, the Republican strategy designed by White House political advisor Karl Rove included turning out large numbers of Christian evangelicals to vote on gay rights ballot referendums, including the issue of same sex marriage. Pundits say the tactic may not work on Tuesday, since most voters are focusing on more substantive issues including the war in Iraq. In Colorado, there are two major issues on the ballot dealing with gay rights. Amendment 43 would define marriage as a relationship involving a man and a woman. Referendum 1 would provide same-sex couples with more legal rights.

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